 3 opposition parties call for an early extra-Diet Three opposition party leaders (Japanese Communist Party, Democratic Party of Japan, Social Democratic Party) on September 16 called for an extraordinary Diet session to be convened promptly because many issues are pending, including the pension system, political donations, and Iraq. JCP Chair Shii Kazuo, DPJ President Okada Katsuya, and SD Leader Fukushima Mizuho submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kono Yohei, a statement signed by all 193 Lower House members of the three opposition parties calling for an early session of the extraordinary Diet for thorough discussion. At a news conference later in the day, Shii criticized the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties for being reluctant to convene the extraordinary Diet session. He said, "They are trying to avoid discussing issues people want to see settled." On joint struggles with other opposition parties, Shii said, "The JCP is ready to cooperate with other opposition parties on issues of common concern, but on issues which we cannot agree on, the JCP will debate with the other parties." Article 53 of the Constitution stipulates that if one fourth of members of either the House of Representatives or the House of Councilors request, the Cabinet must decide to convene an extraordinary Diet session. The number of Dietmembers in the House of Representatives is 480. (end) |